On a High Note

With the Central and State Governments together planning on allocating Rs 10 billion to each selected smart city over a five-year-period, there will be ample opportunities ahead for high-rise development in these cities. Meanwhile, space constraints and a rising population in the metros continue to push demand for skyscrapers. This brings along a requirement for products that are specifically suited to high-rises.

Whether it is glass for a façade or a crane for construction, building automation, lighting, or high-speed elevators; innovative products are making it possible for skyscrapers to soar today. While the premium on land has always steered real estate developers toward the construction of high-rises, they are now quickly beginning to realise the value of quality products in the creation of a successful project, thereby leading to both more business for product vendors as well as the introduction of more technologically advanced products.

Features First: Vendors are indulging in R&D to cater to evolving customer needs, while solving challenging design and construction-related problems. Besides better functionality, safety features, eco-friendliness and cost optimisation are just a few of the benefits on offer. With the new Government’s focus on energy saving, high-rise buildings are eyeing different certifications and adherence to standards of energy-efficiency.

"While the new regulations have actually increased the density of living in a particular space, the indoor-air quality is one component that will definitely be affected in the near future. Anticipating these needs, Anchor has already introduced a basket of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) products," informs Ashok Gangar, director, sales and marketing, Anchor Electricals. Quality over Cost: Gangar puts it, “The Indian electrical construction materials market is price and volume driven to a large extent, as the unorganised sector is almost as big as the organised one. While the local players dominate certain pockets of the country, the impetus on quality is secondary. The trend is changing for core products such as switchgear, electric switches, lighting, however, products such as wires and cables and insulation tapes still lag behind in quality. The pace of this change is slow, but it is happening.” Here’s hoping that the switch to superior quality products quickly spreads across industries, translating into better business opportunities for all stakeholders.